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Online repository developed for occupational disease resources

HAMILTON, ONT. — A new online repository of “current and credible” occupational disease resources has been developed by the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).

The Prevent Occupational Disease website features resources from Canada and around the world and is aimed at reducing illness and fatalities associated with occupational sources, explains a release.

It is intended to help employers, supervisors, safety and health practitioners, and workers increase their understanding of occupational diseases and ways they may be prevented.

The resources relate to the science and mechanics of prevention; common hazards and their identification, exposure, assessment and control; specific occupations and industries where the risk of developing an occupational disease is higher; and internationally recognized occupational diseases including cancer, respiratory and skin diseases as well as musculoskeletal disorders.

“The site provides a source for evidenced-based information to address the hazards of occupational disease and drive prevention,” said Michael Roche, CEO of OHCOW, in a statement. “We appreciate the contributions of our partners working together to address this system priority.”

The Prevent Occupational Disease initiative is an activity of the Ontario Occupational Disease Action Plan and is geared towards moving the prevention of occupational disease into focus, the release reads.

“Occupational Disease is a critical issue in Ontario and its prevention will be a key pillar in the new Health and Safety Strategy being developed this spring,” added Ontario Chief Prevention Officer Ron Kelusky.

“This website is an excellent step in raising awareness and fostering change by gathering trusted resources and tools in an accessible location to educate and assist workplaces in their prevention efforts.”

According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, there were 592 occupational disease deaths in Canada versus 312 traumatic fatalities in 2016, the release states, and the rate is increasing in most provinces.

The Prevent Occupational Disease website will be continually updated with new content, and relevant submissions of free, accessible, non-commercial resources from around the world are also welcome through its online form.